University of the West of England
MODULE SPECIFICATION
(Revised November 2002)
Code: UPUQRB-30-3 Title: Politics of Latin-American Underdevelopment Version: 2
Level: 3 UWE credit rating: 30 ECTS credit rating: 15
Module type: Standard
Owning Faculty: Humanities, Languages & Social Sciences Field: European and
International Area Studies
Valid from: September 2002 Discontinued from:
Contributes towards: Awards up to BA (Hons)
Pre-requisites: None
Co-requisites: None
Excluded combinations: UPUQS4-30-3 Desarrollo y cambio social en América Latina
Learning outcomes:
At the end of this module the successful student will be able to:
• Demonstrate a high level of knowledge and critical analysis of current political issues affecting Latin American development.
• Apply theoretical frameworks to analyse political issues in specific regions in the continent.
• Critically evaluate the major national and international interests affecting Latin American political and economic underdevelopment.
• Critically assess, with the aid of theoretical frameworks and based on case studies, the causes of Latin American underdevelopment.
All learning outcomes will be assessed in Components A and B.
Syllabus outline:
• Imperialism and intervention: theories of imperialism applied to intervention by the United States in Latin America. Selection of case studies.
.
• Analysis of political and economic dependency, military intervention and the rise of nationalism in Latin America. Selection of case studies.
• Power and the Latin American state: authoritarianism and military rule: case study: the Southern Cone.
• Theories and practices of democratisation in 21st century Latin America.
• Crisis of the Latin American state: state legitimacy and conflict. Selection of case studies.
• Analysis of the theories and outcomes of development and dependency.
• Application of theories of development and dependency in 21st century Latin America. Selection of case studies.
Teaching and learning methods:
This module will be taught through a combination of lectures and seminars in English. Interactive lectures, supported with a dossier and handouts, will provide students with the necessary framework to carry out research for the successful completion of assignments. Group and pair work will be encouraged in student presentations.
Indicative sources:
Booth, J and Walker, T. Understanding Central America, Westview, 1995
Boron, A State, Capitalism and Democracy in Latin America, L Riener, 1995
Bulmer-Thomas, V and J Dunkerley, The United States and Latin America: The New Agenda, London ILAS, 1999
Dietz, J.L. Latin America’s Economic Development: Confronting Crisis, Lynn Rienner, 1995
Green, D Silent Revolution, LAB 1995
Gwynne, R.N. & C. Kay (eds) Latin America Transformed, Arnold, 1999
Halebsky, S & R Harris, Capital Power and Inequality, Westview, 1995
Hall, A. Amazonia at the Crossroads: The Challenge of Sustainable Development, London, ILAS, 2000
Held, D. Models of Democracy, Polity Press, 1999
Knippers Black, J.(ed) Latin America: Its Problems and its Promise, Westview, 1998
Klaren, P Development Theory: An Introduction, Blackwell, 1996
Rich, B. Mortgaging the Earth, Earthscan, 1994
Roberts, T. & A. Hite, From Modernization to Globalization, Blackwells, 2000
Tedesco L Democracy in Argentina, Frank Cass, 1999
Veltmeyer, H et al, Neoliberalism and Class Conflict in Latin America, Macmillam, 1997
Walker T Nicaragua Without Illusions, Westview, 1997
Wiarda (ed) Politics and Social Change in Latin America, Westview, 2000
Assessment
Weighting between components A and B (standard modules at levels 0-3 only) A: 50% B: 50%
ATTEMPT 1
First Assessment Opportunity
Component A 50%
Description of each element Element weighting
One 3’ Exam. 50%
Component B 50%
Description of each element Element weighting
1. One Essay of approx 4000 words in English. 30%
2. One assessed presentation. 20%
Second Assessment Opportunity (further attendance at taught classes is not required)
Component A 50%
Description of each element Element weighting
One 3’ Exam. 50%
Component B 50%
Description of each element Element weighting
One Essay of approx 5000 words in English. 50%
SECOND (OR SUBSEQUENT) ATTEMPT Attendance at taught classes is not required.
Specification confirmed by ………VARSC meeting…………Date ……25.05.05…………
(Associate Dean/Programme Director)